"Mom… why did you agree so easily?"
On the way home, Lock trailed behind his mother, curiosity and unease heavy in his chest.
Yuzu stopped, turning to face him. Her gentle eyes carried a hint of sharpness as she asked, "If I had refused, would you have given up?"
Lock hesitated only a moment before answering firmly. "No. I would still take the graduation exam."
"Then there's your answer." Yuzu's voice was calm, almost too calm. "If my objections can't stop you, then why should I waste my breath? A mother's role isn't to chain her child down—it's to give him the wind when he's determined to fly."
Lock blinked. Something in him stirred uneasily. "You're not… planning some trick, are you?"
"Trick your head, brat."
Bonk! A knuckle rapped lightly against his skull. Yuzu crouched down to his level, resting her forehead against his. Her hand cupped his cheek as her voice softened into a whisper.
"Listen to me, Lock. Your mom isn't a shinobi. I have no skills to offer you, no power to shield you with. But I will never hold you back. Whatever path you choose, I'll support you. The only thing I ask… is that you protect yourself above all else. Ninjas live dangerous lives—I don't need to know all the details to understand that much."
Her breath trembled, but her gaze never wavered.
"Your fool of a father… he charged ahead without the strength to back it up, and he paid for it with his life. I won't let you end up like him. You're sharper, more capable. I know you'll pass this exam—but being clever isn't always enough. Remember this, Lock: there's only one life. Live it carefully, so you can outlast even me."
"Mom…"
Lock bit hard on his lip, fighting back the heat rising in his eyes. Twice in one lifetime, and still, a mother's words could pierce deeper than any blade.
This woman, who usually teased and scolded him, now stood as his greatest support. She didn't resist, didn't plead, didn't cry. She trusted him enough to stand behind his choice. The weight of that love pressed on his heart, heavier than any burden, yet it filled him with strength.
"Don't worry," he said quietly, his voice rough. "I'll live. Missions, rules, whatever—if it means dying, I'll throw it all away and run. I'm not stupid."
"Stinky brat."
Yuzu swatted at his head again, though her eyes glistened as she smiled. "It's not that simple. Listen to your seniors, learn from them. But you're right—living comes first. You're my only son. As long as you come back alive, nothing else matters."
She cared nothing for shinobi laws, only for her boy's heartbeat.
Lock smirked and puffed his chest. "Relax, Mom. Your son's a genius. Even among ninja, I'll stand at the top."
"Genius? Bah." Yuzu rolled her eyes. "You know what happens to geniuses? They burn too fast and die young. I'd rather you stay an unknown little shinobi forever. But…" She pinched his cheek, her lips curling proudly. "You are my son. You'll surpass them all one day—even that Kakashi kid."
Lock nearly laughed aloud at her shameless bias. "Mom, you've really got your goals figured out, huh?"
"Of course." Yuzu grinned, hands on her hips. "One day, when you're as strong as the great Sannin, no one will dare mess with our restaurant again. That's what I'm aiming for."
Lock stared at her, speechless. Sometimes she was sharp, sometimes silly, sometimes narrow-minded, sometimes ambitious beyond reason. Understanding her was impossible.
But he wouldn't trade her for anyone.
"What do you need for the graduation exam? Tell me, I'll prepare it for you." Yuzu's voice softened again.
Lock waved a hand casually. "Nothing, Mom. Don't worry. The exam's no problem for me."
His strength was on par with Kakashi's. If Kakashi could pass, then so could he.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned slightly as Yagyū Murakazu finished his report.
"You're saying that besides Hatake Kakashi… Fujiwara Lock has also applied for early graduation?"
The Third Hokage exhaled smoke from his pipe, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. He had already been paying close attention to Kakashi's case, burdened by guilt over Sakumo's death. He had arranged for the boy's exam personally. But Lock's name being added into the mix was unexpected.
Sarutobi knew of the boy. He had witnessed his duel with Kakashi, and heard his name praised by both instructors and even his own son, Asuma. Lock wasn't from a clan, yet his maturity and ability outshone many prodigies. In the boy, the Hokage glimpsed shadows of his own disciple Orochimaru—driven, sharp, and dangerous.
Yagyū clenched his fists in frustration. "Yes, Hokage-sama. No matter how I tried to dissuade him, even calling in his mother, they both insisted. I don't want him to waste his talent rushing forward like this. Kakashi has a clan behind him. Lock doesn't. Without proper education and time, I fear he'll falter."
The Third Hokage chuckled softly, a kind smile tugging at his lips. "Cun'ichi… since when did you grow so sentimental? You've guided him well. If his mother and he both agree, why stop him? A teacher's duty is to nurture confidence, not chain it."
"But Hokage-sama—!"
"Enough." Sarutobi's voice hardened, silencing him. "If they've applied, then let them try. Hatake Kakashi and Fujiwara Lock will both take the graduation assessment. I will be there to oversee it myself."
Yagyū's mouth fell open, but the Hokage's word was final.
Two prodigies, both barely five years old, were about to step beyond the walls of the academy.
And Konoha itself would be watching.
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